The 32nd annual Día de los Muertos Exhibit, opening with a Fiesta Reception on Friday, October 17, from 5 – 8 pm, features work by 29 artists from three states, five altars or ofrendas honoring the dead along with a community altar, and a Day of the Dead Gift Shop with authentic crafts from Mexico presented by Suzanne Algara of Buganvilla Imports.

The Fiesta Reception on October 17 is a festive celebration with food and entertainment. Music is provided by the community group El Taller de Son Jarocho and traditional dancing by Ballet Folklórico Colibrí.

The artwork focuses on the Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead holiday, which blends the ancient harvest rituals of the Aztec god of death and the Roman Catholic holidays of All Saints and All Souls Days. Far from a somber holiday, Día de los Muertos is a playful celebration. In the words of Mexican poet Octavio Paz: “The Mexican frequents it [death], jokes about it, sleeps with it, and celebrates it. It is one of his favorite toys and most steadfast love.”